System for maintaining hydrogen purity in electrical generators and method thereof
View Patent ↗A method and apparatus is provided for a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator. The purity system includes: a generator, a hydrogen generator configured to provide hydrogen gas to the generator, a purity monitor for detecting the level of hydrogen purity in the generator and providing a signal when the purity drops below a predetermined threshold. The system automatically compensates for gas loss or contamination to maintain the desired level of efficiency in the electrical generator.
1. A method for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical generator, the system comprising:
monitoring the purity of a hydrogen gas in said electrical generator;
generating a first signal in response to said purity falling below a first threshold;
flowing hydrogen gas from an external source to said electrical generator in response to said signal;
monitoring a hydrogen gas pressure in said electrical generator;
generating a second signal in response to said pressure being greater than a second threshold; and,
venting said hydrogen gas from said electrical generator to the atmosphere in response to said second signal.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of continuing to flow hydrogen gas to said electrical generator until the purity of said hydrogen gas in said electrical generator exceeds a third threshold.
3. The method of claim 2 further wherein said step of venting hydrogen gas includes the step of opening a valve fluidly coupled to said electrical generator in response to said second signal.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said first threshold is a hydrogen gas purity greater than 90%.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein said first threshold is a hydrogen gas purity greater than 95%.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said first threshold is a hydrogen gas purity of 98%.
7. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of activating a hydrogen electrochemical generator in response to said first signal.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of
providing a third signal in response to said hydrogen gas purity in the electrical generator exceeding a fourth threshold; and,
stopping production of hydrogen gas in response to said third signal.